Why are American media gender biased in their critique of Mayor Karen Bass’s trip to Ghana?

Read Time:5 Minute, 51 Second

Closely observing the controversy surrounding Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’s recent trip to Ghana before the devastating wildfires in her city reveals more than just criticisms of leadership.

It exposes a broader issue: the persistent gender bias faced by women in positions of power. Instead of recognising her proactive approach to governance and the diplomatic significance of her trip, sections of the media have constructed a misleading narrative that distorts the facts.

This unfair treatment is part of a troubling pattern that women leaders globally contend with, where their actions are often judged through a harsher lens often than their male counterparts.

Closely monitoring her, I have observed that Karen Bass, who made history as the first woman to be elected Mayor of Los Angeles in December 2022, has a track record of dedicated public service.

Her leadership agenda prioritises tackling homelessness, reducing crime, and addressing economic inequality. Throughout her career, from community organising to her tenure in the U.S. Congress, Bass has consistently demonstrated a commitment to uplifting marginalised communities.

Her recent visit to Ghana, as part of a U.S. government delegation, was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but a carefully planned diplomatic engagement. The purpose of the trip was to attend the inauguration of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on 7 January 2025.

This event held significant importance, as Ghana remains a key partner to the United States in Africa, with both nations sharing values of democracy, economic development, and cultural exchange.

Moreover, Ghana’s progressive strides in gender equality, exemplified by the appointment of its first woman Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, further underscore the symbolic relevance of Bass’s attendance.

However, critics have used her absence during the wildfires to frame her as neglecting her city, and even portrayed her as ‘weak’ and not up to the task. Media outlets such as The New York Post, Fox News, and the Los Angeles Times have questioned her priorities, unfortunately ignoring her active involvement in managing the crisis remotely.

Bass stayed in constant communication with fire officials and local leaders, ensuring a coordinated response. The wildfires began on the very day of the inauguration, and to suggest that she could have foreseen or prevented the fires is both unrealistic and unjust.

The criticisms of Bass are symptomatic of a larger pattern of gendered scrutiny. Women leaders are often held to higher standards than men, particularly in times of crisis. Male leaders who travel or engage in diplomatic duties during emergencies rarely face the same level of backlash.

For instance, while President George W. Bush faced criticism for his delayed response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the discourse did not centre on his capability as a man but on his handling of the situation.

In contrast, narratives surrounding Bass’s leadership subtly imply that, as a woman, her absence is evidence of incompetence or misplaced priorities. Some outlets even suggest that she was in a ‘cocktail party’ in Ghana.

How unfortunate! This double standard perpetuates a broader societal bias that undermines women leaders and questions their ability to balance complex responsibilities.

Studies have consistently shown that women in leadership face disproportionate media scrutiny. For example, research by Meeks (2016) highlights that female politicians are often judged more harshly for their perceived mistakes, while their successes are downplayed.

Another study by Banwart and Bystrom (2020) found that media coverage of women in politics tends to focus more on their personal attributes than their professional competence. These biases not only skew public perception but also discourage women from pursuing leadership roles.

The wildfires in Los Angeles, including the Palisades and Eaton fires, have caused immense devastation, claiming at least 25 precious lives and displacing thousands. In such moments, public emotions understandably run high.

However, it is important to evaluate leadership with nuance. Effective crisis management often requires a multi-tiered response, involving delegating responsibilities and ensuring robust systems are in place.

In Bass’s case, she ensured that emergency response efforts were well-coordinated in her absence. Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley confirmed that resources were mobilised effectively and that the city’s emergency services operated seamlessly. Yet, these facts have been overshadowed by a narrative fixated on her physical absence.

Leadership is not about micromanaging every situation but about building resilient systems that function even when the leader is not physically present. Bass’s critics fail to acknowledge this fundamental aspect of governance, choosing instead to capitalise on the optics of her trip to Ghana.

Bass’s visit to Ghana was not merely ceremonial; it was a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening ties between two long-standing partners. Ghana’s role as a beacon of democracy in Africa makes its relationship with the United States critical.

This partnership facilitates cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and shared efforts in global diplomacy. For Los Angeles, which boasts a diverse population with strong African diaspora communities, fostering such relationships has direct and indirect benefits.

By engaging with Ghana during this pivotal moment, Bass was not neglecting her duties but fulfilling an obligation that contributes to the broader interests of both her city and her country. Dismissing the importance of this trip undermines the value of diplomacy in addressing global challenges.

The media plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. However, its coverage of Bass’s actions reflects a troubling bias that undermines women’s leadership. Instead of focusing on factual analysis, some outlets have opted for sensationalism, framing the narrative to fuel public outrage.

It is essential for the media to exercise fairness and responsibility in its reporting. Criticism should be based on facts and context, not perpetuated through gendered narratives that reinforce harmful stereotypes. By holding all leaders to the same standards, regardless of gender, we can foster a more equitable and constructive public discourse.

I do not think Mayor Karen Bass’s trip to Ghana was an act of negligence, but rather a demonstration of the complexities of modern governance. Balancing local responsibilities with international obligations is a reality for leaders in a globalised world.

To the people of Los Angeles, it is vital to channel grief and frustration into rebuilding and resilience rather than scapegoating individuals. To Mayor Bass, her commitment to both her city and global partnerships deserves recognition, not undue criticism.

And to the media, it is time to reflect on the narratives you create and the biases you perpetuate. Leadership is not only about perfection but about vision, empathy, and resilience. By standing together, we can overcome challenges and build a future grounded in unity and understanding.

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